Argument: "Students who take extra classes score higher, so extra classes cause higher scores." The main weakness of this argument is that it
Correct answer: B. confuses correlation with causation, ignoring that motivated students may both take extra classes and study more
- A. uses too small a sample
- B. confuses correlation with causation, ignoring that motivated students may both take extra classes and study more
- C. relies on an outdated study
- D. contradicts itself
Explanation
Two things occurring together does not establish that one produces the other, since a third factor such as motivation could produce both. Ruling this out would need a comparison of similar students assigned to classes or not. Correlation and causation is the most heavily tested flaw in critical reasoning sections.
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About Critical Thinking
Critical thinking examines how conclusions follow from evidence, including claims, assumptions, arguments, inferences and relevant facts. Questions ask you to identify hidden assumptions, distinguish strong from weak evidence, assess cause and effect, recognise common reasoning errors, and decide which statement strengthens or weakens an argument.
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